It’s no secret that, just like people, dogs need plenty of exercise in order to stay happy and healthy. But, some breeds require more physical stimulation than others. We’ve listed, in alphabetical order, how much daily exercise is recommended by the Kennel Club (and other resources) for different dog breeds, from the Akita to the Yorkshire Terrier. If you need a secure place to exercise your dog off-lead or improve their recall, consider our Dog Walking Field. You can easily Book Online here and it costs just £5 per half hour or £9 per hour!
Akita
It’s crucial that Akita’s get more than 2 hours of exercise per day.
Alaskan Malamute
As a large dog with a lot of energy, the Alaskan Malamute requires over 2 hours of exercise daily.
Australian Shepherd
They’re extremely active dogs that require more than 2 hours of exercise a day.
Basset Hound
To prevent becoming overweight, Basset Hounds need up to an hour of exercise daily.
Beagle
At least 2 hours of walks and exercise a day is recommended as beagles are very curious and enthusiastic.
Bearded Collie
Bearded Collies love walks and need at least an hour of exercise a day.
Bernese Mountain Dog
They love spending time outside but don’t have a great deal of endurance, so up to 1 hour of activity is recommended.
Bichon Frise
As a small dog, the Bichon Frise only requires up to 30 minutes of exercise per day.
Border Collie
They need significant amounts of exercise, at least 30 minutes of running, as well as plenty of play time, walks and mental stimulation.
Border Terrier
Energy levels vary but up to 1 hour is recommended per day.
Boston Terrier
They make great house dogs but still require up to an hour of exercise daily.
Boxer
As energetic dogs, they will need more than 2 hours of exercise and an owner with a lot of stamina.
Bulldog
They may be renowned for being lazy but they still need around 1 hour of exercise per day.
Cavachon
These playful pups need at least a 30 minute walk every day.
Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
Up to 1 hour of exercise per day is recommended.
Cavapoo
One 30 minute walk per day is ideal.
Chihuahua
These tiny lap dogs only need up to 30 minutes of exercise daily.
Chow Chow
Chow Chows are happiest when they have up to an hour of exercise per day.
Cockapoo
Cockapoos need plenty of stimulation, daily walks and play time. At least an hour of exercise (off-lead where possible) and agility will keep your pup happy and healthy.
Cocker Spaniel
They’re very energetic and love long walks and runs. At least 45-60 minutes of heart-pumping exercise daily is needed in order to calm them, avoid destructive behaviours and keep them healthy.
Corgi
Daily exercise of about an hour is a must for these regal dogs.
Dachshund
Up to an hour of daily exercise should be enough to tire out those tiny legs.
Dalmatian
As a strong and energetic breed, Dalmatians should get around 2 hours of exercise a day.
Doberman
A minimum of 2 hours of exercise a day is recommended for these protective dogs.
Dogue De Bordeaux
Up to 1 hour of exercise per day should be enough to tire these stocky dogs out.
French Bulldog
Up to 1 hour a day of walking is enough for a french bulldog.
German Shepherd
To prevent boredom, these energetic dogs need at least 2 hours of exercise daily.
Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers like to stay active and around 2 hours of exercise a day should satisfy their need for stimulation.
Great Dane
These gentle giants need approximately 2 hours of low-impact exercise daily.
Greyhound
Built for speed rather than endurance, around 1 hour of daily exercise is recommended.
Hungarian Vizsla
Vizslas thrive off exercise and therefore need at least 2 hours of daily walks and runs to keep them happy and healthy.
Husky
Huskies are extremely active dogs that need more than 2 hours of exercise a day.
Irish Setter
At least 2 hours of exercise (preferably off-lead) daily is sufficient for this very active breed.
Jackapoo
Jackapoos love playtime and need at least 1 hour of exercise to burn off energy.
Jack Russell
Jack Russell Terriers are full of energy and require plenty of exercise – ideally 1-
Labradoodle
Two long walks a day (totalling at least 2 hours) will keep these large and energetic dogs happy.
Labrador Retriever
The UK’s most popular dog needs more than 2 hours of exercise per day.
Lhasa Apso
About 30 minutes of exercise a day, as well as play time, is recommended.
Lurcher
Lurchers love to run, and around 2 hours of exercise (with time off-lead so they can run) daily should keep them happy.
Maltese
As a lap dog, they only need up to 30 minutes of exercise a day.
Miniature Schnauzer
At least 1 hour of exercise a day should be enough for this breed’s fairly high energy levels.
Newfoundland
They should be exercised for up to an hour every day, preferably involving a swim.
Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever
Up to 1 hour of exercise a day is recommended but make sure you include plenty of games of fetch.
Patterdale Terrier
At least 1 hour of exercise a day is typical for these little dogs.
Pointer
Pointers are very energetic dogs that need at least 2 hours of exercise every day.
Pomeranian
As small dogs, Pomeranians only need around 30 minutes of exercise daily.
Poodle
It’s recommended that Poodles get up to an hour of exercise a day.
Pug
Due to their small size, Pugs only require up to 30 minutes of daily exercise.
Rottweiler
Rotties need at least 2 hours of stimulating exercise by day as they’re a very energetic breed.
Scottish Terrier
Despite their tiny legs, Scottish Terriers love walks and will thrive when given up to an hour of exercise daily.
Shetland Sheepdog
Up to an hour of daily exercise is enough for a Sheltie, but they don’t tire easily and will always enjoy more.
Shih Tzu
Bred as a companion dog, this breed requires minimal exercise, so up to 1 hour a day is sufficient.
Springer Spaniel
Springers need at least 2 hours of exercise a day, but are capable of working and running tirelessly for even longer.
Sprollie
They need at least 1 hour’s exercise a day with as much time off-lead as possible.
Staffordshire Bull Terrier
Despite their love of cuddles, Staffies still need up to 1 hour of exercise a day.
St. Bernard
Proper exercise is crucial for St. Bernards to avoid bone deterioration; up to 1 hour a day is suggested.
West Highland Terrier
Westies require up to 1 hour of exercise a day and love to play.
Wheaten Terrier
Up to an hour of daily exercise is recommended.
Whippet
These speedy dogs need at least 1 hour of daily exercise, and should be given the chance to run freely whenever possible.
Yorkshire Terrier
Up to 30 minutes of exercise a day will ensure a happy, healthy Yorkie.
What can you tell us about your dog? Do they love to run around and play for hours or are they happier when curled up by your side? Let us know in the comments below: